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SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Michigan, April 14, 2026 –KUKA AMP, a new open automation platform designed to bridge traditional rule-based systems with AI-driven, intent-based automation, accelerating the shift to Physical AI in manufacturing, was introduced at NVIDIA GTC. KUKA AMP enables faster, more flexible deployment of intelligent automation by allowing systems to perceive, decide, and act autonomously.At NVIDIA’s recent GTC conference in San Jose, Calif., a KUKA robot appeared on stage, underscoring a clear message: industrial automation is entering a new phase. In manufacturing, AI is evolving beyond analysis to systems that can perceive, decide, and act autonomously in the physical world.Physical AI and advanced robotics are rapidly becoming key to modern manufacturing, supply chains, and industrial services, boosting productivity and competitiveness. This transformation is accelerated by breakthroughs in large-scale AI models, simulation-driven innovation, and powerful computer architectures spanning devices, edge systems, and data centers. KUKA Group, as a global automation company, is playing an important role in this shift.“Robots and automation systems are evolving from programmable machines to intelligent collaborators, capable of learning, adapting and operating safely alongside humans,” KUKA Group CEO Christoph Schell said. “With new open software platforms like KUKA AMP bridging traditional deterministic automation, such as rule‑based, pre‑programmed systems, with intent-based automation, the pathway from concept to deployment is becoming faster, more accurate, more cost-efficient and more autonomous.” KUKA unveiled its new automation management software platform, the KUKA AMP, publicly for the first time at NVIDIA GTC.From Automation 1.0 to Physical AI: KUKA Group builds on its strengths to drive global leadership and future growthWith this evolution in its technology stack, KUKA will be adding intent-based capabilities and physical AI across robotics, system integration, warehouse management, healthcare automation and simulation. Intent-based systems translate a user’s desired outcome into automated decisions and actions, allowing technology to figure out how to achieve a goal rather than requiring humans to specify every step. KUKA is repositioning itself to expand its global leadership role in the age of Physical AI, or what KUKA refers to as “Automation 2.0.”“As we move toward Automation 2.0 and Physical AI, Automation 1.0 remains essential for KUKA and for the entire industry. Proven, rule-based automation continues to deliver the stability and productivity our customers rely on, especially in high volume and safety-critical environments,” Schell explained. “We’re not replacing it. We’re expanding it with intent-based and AI-driven capabilities. Automation 1.0 remains as the backbone, while Automation 2.0 adds new flexibility. KUKA will continue to be a key player in both.”At the same time, the technology disruption and potential for future growth is attracting investments from an increasing number of new and existing robotic and automation system suppliers. In this complex environment, the strategic repositioning is already reflected in the company’s performance. KUKA Group recorded profitable revenue growth of 4 percent in 2025 and increased order intake.KUKA Group accelerates innovation with record R&D spendKUKA Group began laying the groundwork last year after the new CEO, Christoph Schell took office.“We are consistently advancing our strategic direction. Our growth categories – intelligent automation, software and AI-defined infrastructure – are developing dynamically and form a capable foundation to enable long-term success. Our modular production platforms lead the way,” said Schell. “Looking ahead, we expect a decade of profound technological transformation. Cost-out initiatives, software and AI, as well as shifts in geographical importance, are becoming decisive drivers of future success of the KUKA Group.”In 2025, KUKA Group invested a record €213 million (245.8 million USD) in research and development. That is the highest amount in the company’s history. The company is more globally balanced than ever, with last year’s revenue evenly split, at around one third each, across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.Global expansion with innovation hubs and integrated automation solutionsIn parallel, the company continues to expand its global footprint, most recently with one of many new training, research, and application centers in central Vietnam, developed in partnership with the University of Danang. In India, one of the fastest-growing automation markets globally, KUKA Group continues to systematically expand its market presence to participate in the country’s strong medium to long-term industrial growth. In the United States, KUKA has established a software and AI center of excellence in Silicon Valley. The team is led by Marc Fleischmann and includes Melonee Wise, an award‑winning robotics pioneer, who is now working with the global automation group and presented KUKA AMP during NVIDIA GTC. For customers, this means a single automation solution partner capable of integrating hardware, software, and digital solutions – from industrial and mobile robotics to simulation, shuttles, cranes, warehouse systems, and healthcare automation – offering customers seamless, end-to-end automation that is easier to deploy, scale, and operate worldwide. The company also operates entire production plants and automated contract manufacturing facilities on behalf of customers, and, depending on the industry, offers Robots-as-a-Service models.“We are among the very few global end-to-end industrial automation solution providers,” Schell commented.About KUKAKUKA is an international automation group with sales of around EUR 3.7 billion and approximately 15,000 employees. As one of the world's leading suppliers of intelligent, resource-saving automation solutions, KUKA offers industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR) including controllers, software, and cloud-based digital services, as well as fully networked production systems for various industries – primarily for markets such as automotive with a focus on e-mobility & battery, electronics, metal & plastic, consumer goods, food, e-commerce, retail, and healthcare. The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany.ContactPjeter LulgjurajSales & Marketing Operations ManagerKUKA Robotics+1 586-224-0023ROBUSMarketing@kuka.com

San Francisco, CA – March 1, 2024 – Praxie, a leading innovator in AI-powered business process software, today announced a groundbreaking lean manufacturing solution designed to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. Praxie’s platform leverages the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) to digitize and streamline many manual processes, propelling manufacturers towards unprecedented levels of efficiency, agility, and data integration with visibility. Recognizing the limitations of traditional methods like physical huddle boards and Excel files, Praxie equips manufacturers with a comprehensive suite of tools to embrace and optimize lean principles while integrating data from across the manufacturing plant. This empowers manufacturers to: • Elevate SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost): Praxie's platform facilitates real-time data collection and analysis, enabling proactive identification and resolution of quality issues, improved safety protocols, and optimized production processes for enhanced cost-effectiveness. All SQDC processes and data can now be instantly accessed, from the shop floor to the top floor. • Embrace 5S (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain): Praxie digitalizes visual management tools, fostering a culture of continuous improvement by providing real-time data and clear processes with AI support to promote organization, cleanliness, and standardized practices across the shop floor. • Supercharge Gemba Walks: Empower managers with mobile access to critical data and insights, enabling them to conduct more frequent and insightful Gemba walks, directly observing operations and identifying opportunities for improvement. Walk data is instantly summarized and turn into A3 action plans. • Simplify Kata (Patterned Practice): Praxie streamlines the implementation and tracking of Kata cycles, allowing teams to practice, experiment, and refine their processes in a structured and data-driven environment, accelerating learning and improvement. • Empower Kaizen (Continuous Improvement): Praxie facilitates the continuous improvement process by providing best practice Kaizen innovation tools for AI-powered ideation and idea prioritization and execution, enabling teams to identify and address inefficiencies, experiment with solutions, and track progress towards improvement goals. "The manufacturing landscape is rapidly evolving, and traditional approaches are falling short," states Michael Lynch, CEO of Praxie. "Our lean manufacturing solution empowers manufacturers to harness the potential of Industry 4.0, enabling them to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and make data-driven decisions with unparalleled speed and accuracy." Praxie's AI-powered solution unlocks a multitude of benefits for manufacturers including increased efficiency, enhanced quality, improved agility, and empowered workforce and cost management, and topline growth. Praxie’s partnerships with Google, SAP, and others provide an unparalled ability to leverage data and work processes across the plant and overall enterprise. "We are witnessing a new era in manufacturing, powered by the transformative potential of AI and lean principles," concludes Lynch. "Praxie is proud to be at the forefront of this revolution. By equipping manufacturers with intelligent tools and solutions, we are partnering with them to shape a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable future for their industry." Contact Soren Kaplan Praxie, Inc. Soren.Kaplan@praxie.com www.praxie.com

JONESBORO, Ark.—Hytrol Conveyor Company, a leader in the material handling industry, is honored to become a corporate member of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM). The group is a national trade association dedicated to providing support to women in the manufacturing industry. WiM represents manufacturers of all types and welcomes individuals representing every job function. Hytrol’s partnership with WiM grants all Hytrol employees access to the organization’s services. Some of the benefits of membership include virtual, local and national events as well as online resources, networking opportunities and educational programs. Christy Valentine, Hytrol’s Manager of Academic and Philanthropic Programs, said, “Women in Manufacturing is the only national trade association dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry. We are thrilled to be involved with this outstanding organization! Hytrol is committed to enabling more women to pursue careers in manufacturing and ensuring those women have the tools and support they need to be successful.” About WIM The Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) strengthens the manufacturing sector by recruiting, inspiring and advancing women in the industry. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association, WiM is dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women who have chosen careers in the manufacturing industry. For more information, visit the organization website at womeninmanufacturing.org. About Hytrol Hytrol Conveyor Company Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of material handling systems for a variety of industries. Since its founding, the company has been dedicated to pushing forward the material handling industry. Hytrol is the largest conveyor manufacturer in the United States. It designs, develops, and delivers the most advanced material handling systems and includes a network of more than 100 independent businesses worldwide. For more information on Hytrol, visit hytrol.com.

NORD’s production plant in Aurich has a manufacturing capacity of up to 400,000 units, including control cabinet and decentralized electronic control products.Since the early 1980s, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, a leading suppliers of gear units, electric motors, and control products, has produced its own electronics at their Aurich facility in northwest Lower Saxony, Germany. Over time, the production plant and product portfolio have been continuously expanded, increasing current staff to 180 with an additional 40 planned, as well as increasing manufacturing capacity to 400,000 units.The Aurich site produces control cabinet variable frequency drives, decentralized VFDs, motor starters, and electronic drive technology up to 215 hp (160 kW). The NORDAC line of electronic control products is continually expanding to include greater performance, functionality, and energy efficiency. Recent advancements include the decentralized NORDAC ON/ON+ VFDs developed for the special requirements of horizontal conveyor technology and the NORDAC PRO SK 500P cabinet control drives, offering 5 frame sizes with a power range of up to 30 hp (22 kW).No matter where they operatea around the world, every NORD variable frequency drive is produced in the Aurich production plant. Site manager Gerhard Harms said, “Frequency inverters are a fundamental component of efficient and intelligent drive systems. In Aurich, we can respond quickly and flexibly to customer requirements and market changes and are ideally equipped for the increasing demand.”Facilities at Aurich are state-of-the-art and feature an automated, flexible production structure. This allows for any size order, even small batch sizes, to be processed with the same high level of quality and efficiency. In 2022, 185,000 units were shipped from the factory and an even greater number is projected for 2023 as demand for electronic control products becomes increasingly stronger.To meet growing demands, NORD has invested $2.7 million dollars ($2.5 million euros) into expanding the Aurich facility throughout 2022. The two-level area for customer project assemblies has been increased to 32,292 ft2 (3,000 m2), the total production area has expanded to 75,347 ft2 (7,000 m2), and the office area has grown to 13,993 ft2 (1,300 m2). Expansion plans are far from finished as NORD recently acquired an adjacent site with an area of 4.45 acres, providing plenty of space to continue improving their successful Aurich operations. About NORD DRIVESYSTEMS®With more than 4,000 employees, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has been developing, producing and selling drive technology for more than 50 years, and is one of the global leaders of full-service providers in the industry. In addition to standard drives, NORD delivers application-specific concepts and solutions for special requirements such as energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. In financial year 2017, annual sales amounted to $781 million. NORD now has subsidiaries and sales partners in 98 countries worldwide. The dense sales and service network guarantees optimal availability, enabling short delivery times and customer-oriented service. NORD produces a very diverse range of drives for torques from 88 to more than 2.2 million lb-in, provides electric motors in the power range of 0.16 to 1,341 HP, and manufactures frequency inverters with the required power electronics of up to 215 HP. Inverter solutions are available for conventional control cabinet installations as well as for decentralized, fully-integrated drive units.
